Voice of the people (letter).

Philip Told: Resign

October 16, 1994|By Arthur Acevedo.

CHICAGO — As a member of a minority class, I am deeply troubled and outraged whenever a government official expresses a baseless and scurrilous racial sentiment. To state publicly that minorities lack a work ethic reflects an insolent political and social character trait.

As a ranking government official, State Sen. James "Pate" Philip owes not only his constituents but the people of this state a moral and ethical duty to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated and inflammatory statements which serve only to tear at the social fabric of our society.

Many minorities, as well as non-minorities, work efficiently and effectively. The reverse is also true. Statements such as his, coming with the weight of his office, send shock waves the likes of which can be felt from copy rooms to board rooms throughout America.

It is indeed sickening to bear witness to the repercussions such a statement can have. Perhaps because of his station in life, he had never been the victim of, or a witness to, the effects of discrimination.

I hold firm the belief that seasoned politicians such as him "say what they mean and mean what they say." I believe the only "responsible" action he can now take is to resign his office or champion the cause to sensitize all government officials to the perils of his mistake.